Bafana book tickets to Cote d'Ivoire after tense win in Liberia

Zakhele Lepasa gave the South Africans the lead but the hosts hit back through William Jebor before Mihlali Mayambela scored the all-important goal for the visitors in the second half.

The result means Bafana are second in the group, behind Morocco, with both teams qualifying for the continental showpiece tournament to be held in Ivory Coast.

Bafana initially struggled to get to grips with the artificial surface at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex with the ball bobbling and passes going astray.

The visitors though took the lead in the 19th minute when a long ball over top from Thapelo Morena found Lepasa and the forward did well to get it under control and tucked it the home.

The Lone Stars drew level in the 35th minute when Jebor struck a low shot from outside the box that stung the palms of Bafana shot-stopper Ronwen Williams before nestling into the back of the net.

The second half was an open affair as both sides looked for the winner and it was South Africa went back into the lead from a counter-attack.

Percy Tau found space down the left-hand side and put in a dangerous low cross that Liberia keeper could on palm away into the path of the on-rushing Mayambela who finished.

Bafana then had to withstand barrage from the hosts as the game came to its conclusion but Williams stepped up to send his team through to the Afcon next year.